 "Photo: Courtesy // SSU")
President Ruben Armiñana has been named one of the 100 most influential Hispanic leaders in America by "Hispanic Business" magazine.
Armiñana joins a select group of top executives and professionals from academia, government, entertainment, sports and business. The list includes notables such as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Nils J. Diaz, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and actor Andy Garcia.
Nominations from readers, website visitors, contributing editors, Writers and magazine staff determined the annual list of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics, which appeared in the October edition.
The magazine, which has a circulation of 245,000 and a total audience of more than one million readers, noted the "steady increase in private investment" at SSU under Armiñana's leadership, as well as SSU's "numerous partnerships with businesses and public institutions in the San Francisco region."
The magazine also lauds Armiñana's institution of the Assured Access
Program (which makes computers available to all students 24 hours a day) and his support for SSU's new master's degree program in Computer and Engineering Science.
Q: How do you feel about being acknowledged as one of the most influential leaders with leaders such as actor Andy Garcia and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa by your side?
A: It is nice company....my children are more impressed that I am in the same magazine with Eva Longoria of Desperate Housewives; I now need to see that show.
Q: Is there any special meaning being awarded as a "Hispanic leader" rather than one of the 100 most influential leaders?
A: It is a nice recognition of years of work and achievement. I am a Hispanic, Cuban-American, and proud of it.
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
A: Making a difference in improving an institution and the people who participate in that institution. Seeing changes happen. Taking responsibilities seriously and knowing that I can make a difference.
Q: Success doesn't come easy. What obstacles did you face along the way?
A: I came to the United States at 14 years of age without my parents, not knowing English, and with 10 cents to my name and a change of underwear. Things have looked up since that day. Life is full of obstacles and you just work them out. This is a wonderful country where education and hard work allow for improvement and recognition.
Q: The magazine, which has a circulation of 245,000 and a total audience of more than one million readers, noted the "steady increase in private investment" at SSU under your leadership as well as SSU's "numerous partnerships with businesses and public institutions in the San Francisco region." What are your thoughts on these achievements?
A: It is part of my job as president of this university to attract greater support for it from both the private and public sector and I am glad that is recognized.
Q: What advice would you give students who strive for leadership in their jobs or life?
A: Work hard and be focused. Be as well educated as you can be. Nothing is owed to you; you can make a difference in your community and in other peoples' lives if you consider that important.
Q: What is the hardest obstacle you face as President of SSU?
A: Making changes in how we see ourselves and our future. Having others buy into a vision of a better university.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being the President of SSU?
A: Commencement, the culmination of a good experience for the students and their family. Also the beginning of new things.
Q: Any last words or advice you would like to share?
A: It is nice to be recognized, it is even better to know you have accomplished changes and improvements with the help of many others.
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